2016 MASTODON 1.5L
Winemaker's Tasting Notes:
Every once in a great while we experience a vintage like 2016 that is characterized by near-perfect growing conditions—producing small cluster, small berried yields with concentrated flavors resulting in big, powerful Cabernets. 2016 marked a continuation of the drought years in Napa Valley. A hailstorm during the spring contributed heavily to the low yields. Despite the challenges, it was a great year for quality! The growing season was long and warm, developing concentrated yet elegant flavors.
This beautifully saturated Cabernet greets your glass with a splash of dark purple. The avalanche of fruit aromas tumble forth with notes black raspberry, blackberry, super ripe strawberry, black plum, earth after a rain, graphite and sweet tobacco. Elegant notes of fresh cut wildflowers, suede, black cardamom and chaparral wind their way through the fruit core.
The wine blossoms across the palate revealing flavors of blackberry, boysenberry, star anise, cassis and loads of minerality. The layered flavors are harmonious, abundant and seamless. The supple tannin structure supports the elegant backbone of the 2016 Mastodon which lingers with an impressively long finish.
Decanting this wine allows for optimal enjoyment now and the wine will cellar well over the next 25 years.